Spotlight: Angelic Adornments (orig. date 9/11/08)

Mauve Triple Strand Faith, Hope, Love Necklace

Name: Sabina Dougherty

Etsy shop name: Angelic Adornments

Location: New Hampshire

Long Necklace and Earring Set with Religious Symbols

1. What kind of materials do you use in your creations?

All kinds of beads and wire — I’m sort of addicted now.

2. How did you get into this form of art?

My 16-year old daughter and I took a beading class together during one of her school breaks. It was pricey and having done crafts to sell before, I knew I could make the items cheaper if I searched out wholesale sources for the beads and findings. I was right, of course, but that didn’t stop me from investing thousands of dollars into the beads to start my own business — so thinking back — maybe I should have just stopped with the beading class if I had wanted to really save money. lol

3. What inspires you? Do you have a plan before you make a piece, or do the materials “speak” to you?

Well, this is complicated and some folks will probably think I’m weird, but I started making spiritually inspired jewelry because I didn’t see any out there and I thought it might be a niche for me. So I started looking for items that I could incorporate into that theme. I tend to walk around listening to an ipod full of worship music, because I feel it keeps me close to my Papa God. I started doing that when I went looking for beads and findings. What I discovered was that the materials I bought while listening to the music were more useful than some that I had purchased when I wasn’t listening. What was even more amazing was that pieces that came together “easily” were the ones where I was listening to music. So the music has become my inspiration. I know a lot of people wouldn’t understand this aspect of my creating process — but it works for me. Obviously Papa God has a hand in a lot of my designs.

4. Do you have any particular influences?

Not really. When I first started making items at home, I bought a couple of “beginner” books to get the basics and I’ve expanded from there — I’m not usually inspired to duplicate anything I see in a book or magazine. It might jiggle my brain to create something of my own, but that’s rare. I was this way when I was scrapbooking — others were content to copy layouts in magazines and books, but I always tended to “do my own thing”. Must be that 60’s mentality of don’t put me in a box…

5. Do you have a certain design style?

I like simple pieces. I’ve created some elaborate ones, but mostly, I’m a simple girl. I keep thinking about that Shaker song about ’tis a gift to be simple. I find that the simple pieces tend to be the ones that people want to buy.

6. What is your favorite technique?

I don’t know that I have one. I’m always up for learning something new and when I do and I can accomplish it to my satisfaction, its really cool. I love making earrings — but I don’t make as many of them as I do necklaces and bracelets. I know some people hate doing the wraps, but I think its fun — although hard on old hands.

7. Other than Etsy, where could someone find your creations?

Well for now Esty is it — although people could contact me at my home in New Hampshire. I will be doing craft shows at some point. I have done them before. But right now I’m trying to find a paying job to support my habit!! lol

8. What is your favorite part of being a member of EtsyBEAD?

Well, I’m fairly new, but already I can see where the resources will be helpful to me. Just having other people to talk to and bounce ideas off of – to encouragement when things seem bleak – its all good. When I had my scrapbook store and my sewing business, I belonged to similar groups. Its was encouraging and helpful. So I saw no reason not to join something geared for beaders.